Musicscribe - Useful - Informative

Why blog? (Three years and counting)

David Bruce Murray — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 23:58:00 +0000

The first Musicscribe blog post was written nearly three years ago in late 2004. The subject title..."Why Blog?"

In 2005, I attempted to narrow the focus of the blog, avoiding current news and personal opinion articles. What followed was a period of CD reviews and history articles. The history stuff ultimately became an entirely separate website, SGHistory.com, which is growing by leaps and bounds every week.

Returning to the original question three years later, I'd say I still blog for the same reasons I gave then. I can probably put a more direct point on it, though. I'll give the short version first, and then the expanded version will follow.

In a nutshell, I blog to pass along useful information about Southern Gospel to my readers.

Granted, I've gone back to offering more of my personal observations now that the history articles have another home. Sometimes, I'll address a standard news story as well, but I'm more likely to write about my own experiences.

If you factor out everything this blog isn't, whatever remains, however illogical, must define what it is. (Apologies to Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle.)

The Musicscribe blog isn't, and has never been:
1. a Southern Gospel news site (at least not on a fundamental level...see below for one type of exception).
2. a place I try to get out my "feelings," so I can put them behind me and get on with my life.
3. a diary where I share the mundane or exciting (depending on your perspective) events of my day.
4. a game to try to make famous people look silly. (I try to reserve comment until they look silly on their own.)
5. a duty. I do make a conscious effort to post with enough frequency that people will check back from time to time, but I see no point in hammering out a slew of posts just to fill space when I really have nothing to say.

Here one I almost included on the "isn't" list before I realized I honestly couldn't and quite frankly, shouldn't.
1. an attempt to impress my readers that I'm fairly intelligent. (That's not vanity speaking. I well aware that I'm no Solomon, but I can't honestly say I want people to think I'm stupid, now can I?)

The Musicscribe blog is:
1. an attempt to positively influence the Southern Gospel industry. I try to affirm as often as I chide...I really do try.
2. a resource readers can use to inform themselves before purchasing specific Southern Gospel CDs (even if they disagree with my conclusion).
3. a collection of fun and cool items I've seen. (By "cool," I do NOT mean chain emails.)
4. an occasional news story that I research and write because I happen to be curious.
5. a place to report on concert events I attend.
6. a place to inform would-be artists on the basics of the music business.
7. a great way for me to get a steady supply of free music. (What can I say? That's probably the main perk to having this site.)

Ad Improvement Contest Winner

David Bruce Murray — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 22:25:00 +0000

Keith Waggoner of the Liberty Quartet is the winner of the Ad Improvement Contest.

Keith will be receiving the Gaither Vocal Band's Give It Away CD as his prize in the next few days.

Congratulations Keith!

Civil War In Four Minutes

David Bruce Murray — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 03:27:00 +0000

In just four minutes, this animated video shows the entire war between the states (rendered at one week per second). This item was created for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.

I know this has nothing to do with Southern Gospel music, but I still like to pass along cool stuff whenever I find out about it. I agree with one person who commented on the video. It would be interesting to see this same sort of animation applied to other great wars in our history.

By the way, the haunting music that accompanies the video is Jay Unger's "Ashokan Farewell." It was first heard as the title theme for the Ken Burns special, The Civil War.

How Many Ways Can You Avoid Saying "Gold City?"

David Bruce Murray — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:07:00 +0000

How many ways can you avoid using the words "Gold City" while simultaneously milking the reputation of the organization for every ounce of publicity it's worth?

I just got this press release from Daywind Records.

AN EVENING OF GOLDEN MOMENTS
Artists Gather to Remember A Golden Era

Birmingham, AL (August 7, 2007) – Buno Productions presents An Evening Of Golden Moments with three of Gospel music’s leading artists. On August 27, 2007, Daywind Records’ artists, Brian Free and Garry Jones and Horizon Records’ artist, Ivan Parker will take center stage, together, at the Bessemer Civic Center in Bessemer, AL, for an evening of music and memories.

“It’s been a long time since Brian, Ivan and I were together on the same stage,” stated Jones. “We’ve shared many wonderful moments and memories together through the years. It was a very special time and I am excited about performing with my friends again.”

These three friends toured extensively together throughout the 80’s and early 90’s before venturing into their individual musical careers. Garry Jones currently performs and records with Mercy’s Mark; Brian Free is scheduled to release his latest record with Brian Free and Assurance this fall, while Ivan Parker tours extensively promoting his solo recording. The profound and historical impact their music made on Southern Gospel is still talked about today.

Along with a live band, this concert will feature many popular songs from that golden era including “I Think I’ll Read It Again,” “John Saw,” “When I Get Carried Away,” and “Midnight Cry.” With special guest performances by Brian Free and Assurance and Mercy’s Mark, this will be a night of celebration you won’t want to miss.

I fully understand why a press release such as this would avoid refering to the event as a "Gold City Reunion." It isn't an official Gold City reunion, obviously...just an event where three former members of the group will be appearing. What I don't get is the tiptoeing around any direct use of the name.

"These three friends toured extensively together throughout the 80’s (sic) and early 90’s (sic)"

Now, what would be wrong with adding "as members of the award winning group, Gold City" to that sentence? Nothing at all. It's a simple statement of fact. Maybe they're trying to avoid upsetting the current owners of Gold City, but there's little argument to be made with merely stating what we all know to be true.

Tim Surrett and Balsam Range

David Bruce Murray — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 02:03:00 +0000

This past weekend when the Carolina Quartet was in Burnsville, NC performing and providing sound for all the other performers at the Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair, someone mentioned that Tim Surrett is playing bluegrass again. I did a little digging just now and found out the group Tim has joined is called Balsam Range. They have a website. They've already shared the stage with the likes of Rhonda Vincent and Tony Rice. Not shabby!

There's some audio clips of the band to be heard. (Click here, here, here, here, and then here.) This stuff was recorded in Rutherford County (where I live) at the studios of radio station, WNCW. The website also has some NTG video. (NTG=not too good=shaky, hard to see, shot from a balcony)

The full list of band members includes: Marc Pruett (Banjo), Caleb Smith (Guitar), Darren Nicholson (Mandolin), Tim Surrett (Bass), and Buddy Melton (Fiddle).

Some time ago, I caught some flack from Kingsmen fans for saying Surrett's best music was made during his stint with the Isaacs. Sure, he loves Southern Gospel, and Southern Gospel loves him for all the work he did with the Kingsmen. Vocally, however, Southern Gospel, and the Kingsmen's style in particular was killing him. In a bluegrass setting, he excels.

I guess I got my wish when I said I hoped he'd find his way back to bluegrass.

CD Rated: Jimmy Dooley (Things Are Looking Different)

David Bruce Murray — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 00:35:00 +0000

Artist: Jimmy Dooley
Title: Things Are Looking Different

RATING: 3 1/2 Stars

Nutshell Analysis: Jimmy Dooley writes all ten songs on Things Are Looking Different, sings them, and for good measure, produces the recording. He's a very good songwriter and a decent enough singer when it comes to certain songs. This CD stumbles mostly due to his production and vocal arranging choices...too busy instrumentation, overdone effects, sometimes odd background vocal parts, and sometimes buried lead vocals. As a collection that song-smith Dooley is pitching to other artists, this CD is fine. As a retail ready recording, it really could have used an independent ear in the studio calling some of the shots.

Imperials "All That Matters To The Lord"

David Bruce Murray — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 00:16:00 +0000

I just read that the Imperials have released "All That Matters To The Lord" as a single for Southern Gospel radio. This is a fun, lighthearted song with a retro, 1960s feel. If you're a DJ reading this, I'd encourage you to give this song some spins. I don't think it's a potential number one or anything like that, but it sounds different enough from most of the current material that it should stand out on your play list.

Ad Improvement Contest

David Bruce Murray — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 00:08:00 +0000

Evel Kneivel...
stuntman...
daredevil...
scooter salesman?

I suppose it's the ultimate sad ending to a glorious career. I really thought the Pride Legend company could have done a better job with the photo, though. Whenever Evel is photographed holding a set of handlebars, he ought to be jumping SOMETHING. Even if it's just a Tonka truck.

After all, this man broke almost every bone in his body for OUR entertainment. When he's dead and gone, shouldn't he be remembered with a photo that looks at least a LITTLE more menacing than this?

This led me to an idea. How about a contest?

If you'd like to enter, here's all you need to do:
1. Edit the photo using your favorite photo editing software.
2. Email your entry to me along with your name and mailing address before midnight (EDT), August 11, 2007.

I'll pick my favorite and post it here. Oh, yeah...the winner will get a free CD...my choice, and of course, my decision is final.

UPDATE (August 6): Hmm...so far the entries ain't exactly pouring in. Maybe I was wrong when I thought some of you would want to have some fun with this. There's five days left...any takers?

Don't Want No Gospel Music

David Bruce Murray — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 05:31:00 +0000

Some guy with a blog sez:
I know that some people like the worship music and the singing before the service, but frankly to me it seems like all fluff. Just get on with it, for crying out loud. I came to here the Word of God preached, not to hear 400 year old hymns and music that makes me think I turned 85 yesterday and forgot my own birthday because I am so old. Now, I don’t think there is anything wrong with this type of music or worship style, it simply isn’t for me. If it works for you, then great. But give me some loud rock-n-roll worship music and see how many more lost people you will reach because they don’t wanna listen to the tired Baptist Hymnal songs, no matter how many times you re-write them over and over again.

To which I replied...
That's pretty harsh.

I believe history would indicate that God uses many various tools to draw people, including music. Music and preaching definitely shouldn't be viewed as being at odds...nor should one style over another. We're on the same side.

As long as the message of the Gospel isn't diluted, I applaud the efforts of those with a traditional music background as well as those who take a more up-to-date approach.

I'm a stickler for quality in the music I like, but at the same time, I realize it's about more than just my personal taste. It's not a great idea to assume everyone shares your tastes, particularly when you're talking about lost people's tastes and the main topic at hand is music.

Besides, I've never been entirely convinced the primary purpose of Christian music is evangelism. We may like to pretend that's the case, but in practice, the primary purpose of Christian music seems to be more about giving praise to God (which is laudable) and entertaining existing Christians (which is worthwhile as well).

Word Reps' Canaan Comments Shot Down

David Bruce Murray — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 03:06:00 +0000

There's a news story on Reuters that more or less shoots down the info Daniel Mount was given at a trade convention a few weeks ago regarding the immediate future of Canaan Records.

On the question of whether or not Canaan's music will be available in digital formats, there's a quote by Dean Hopper:
Dean Hopper said he's particularly excited about the label's digital initiatives. "The digital age is here. How are we going to compete? How are we going to move our music into the future? I think Word has got the best handle on that."

Granted, there are no details and Daniel's question was regarding back catalog, not the Hoppers. At the very least, though, it appears Canaan will make sure the music of the Hoppers is available via digital distribution channels. Let's hope they consider their old material worthy of digital distribution as well.

Another sentence that caught my attention addressed Daniel's question of whether or not Canaan plans to sign artists other than the Hoppers. Rod Riley used to be my telephone rep at Provident back when I worked in Christian retail. Rod followed his father-in-law from Provident to Word, and he's now Word's Senior Vice President of marketing. In this Reuters article, the final sentence quotes Rod:
Riley said the label is negotiating with other artists and will announce additional signings soon.

This is good news.

What artists would you go after if you were making signing decisions for Canaan Records? Leave a comment with your "advice" to the label.

Carolina Quartet's New CD - Faith Family & Freedom

David Bruce Murray — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 17:25:00 +0000

As most of my regular readers probably know already, I play keyboard for the Carolina Quartet whenever my schedule permits.

We have a brand spanking new CD releasing very soon. Titled Faith, Family & Freedom, this recording features a number of Country Gospel classics.

This project was recorded at Son Sound studios in Gastonia, NC. The excellent David Johnson created the tracks. You can preview a couple of the songs from the CD on our MySpace page. Click HERE.

Our lead singer, Scott Whitener, produced Faith, Family, & Freedom. I brought in several ideas for songs to record early in the process, and five of them ended up on the CD. I was very pleased to have that type of input on the recording, and now that the final mixes are done, I'm delighted to see how the final versions of the songs turned out.

The Carolina Quartet plays all sorts of venues...malls, outdoor festivals, civic auditoriums, and of course, churches. A couple of our upcoming dates include the Mount Mitchell Arts And Crafts Festival in Burnsville, NC and a women's prison facility, for example. The vast variety of people who hear our music influenced the song selection for Faith, Family, & Freedom significantly. When you're playing music for a town square full of people who come from all walks of life, many of them will more readily identify with a song like "I Saw The Light."

Faith, Family, & Freedom is a cover project, but we didn't want it to cover too many of the songs that have been hashed and rehashed to death in the past. The focus of Faith, Family, & Freedom is faith, but it's also a set of snapshots that reflect how a Christian faith impacts our families and our freedom. The first two songs, "Walk On Faith" and "An American Family," define the topical scope of this CD. You may remember the original versions of these songs, recorded by Mike Reid and the Oak Ridge Boys respectively. Other song titles include "Try a Little Kindness," "You're My Best Friend," "'Nuff Said," "The Other Side," "Angels Watching Over Me," "Write Your Name," "I Saw the Light," and "The Home Stretch." (Yes, there's practically an Oak Ridge Boys tribute happening here.)

Most of you who read this blog only know me from my writing. I'd enjoy meeting some of you at a concert setting. Check out our schedule page to see if we'll be in your area. As you can see from our schedule, we primarily perform in the Carolinas, but we'll most likely venture into a neighboring state or two before the end of the year. A few more dates for the fall are currently being finalized, so check it again in a couple of weeks if you don't see a nearby date right now. (Our touring is necessarily limited, due to the fact that Scott is a Wesleyan minister, Chris Roberts is a music minister at a large church, and I'm a minister of music as well.)

Old Records And Songbooks For Sale

David Bruce Murray — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:18:00 +0000

Through SGHistory.com, I frequently get requests for info on where to purchase old records and print music. I don't know if this is a recent addition to SGMA.org or not. I'd never noticed it before. The Southern Gospel Music Association now has old records (and songbooks and old issues of Singing News) for sale via what I assume is a toll telephone number (865 prefix). The titles and prices are listed online.

Now THIS is a service SG collectors and fans should embrace wholeheartedly.

The SGMA started out strong by selling prints from commissioned Mitchell Tolle paintings that featured famous artists (the Lister print is my favorite). Then their fund-raising efforts became focused on stuffed bears and celebrity baseball games during NQC in Louisville. (This may be the last year for the ball game, by the way. They're tearing down the stadium next year.)

In comparison, dealing in old records and other classic products makes a lot of sense. What better way to raise funds for maintaining the SGMA than by selling the very history you're preserving? The prices are great, too, ranging from $2 to $15. I do wish they would include some indication of the quality.

Update (8:32 PM, 07/26/07):
Daniel Mount sez: This has been up for a year or more. I've purchased from it before, and was very pleased with the records I got. However, the page is hopelessly outdated--there is a record for sale there that I tried to purchase but was told was out of stock several months ago.

Well, that stinks. There's not much point in doing something like this if you aren't going to bring it up to date once a month or so.

Are All Hearts And Minds In Agreement?

David Bruce Murray — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 04:19:00 +0000

I just discovered a blog that interests me. The author doesn't give his name, but his byline is "TheGodFearingFiddler." He used to play fiddle in a Southern Gospel group. His favorite musical genres are "sacred/traditional chant (especially Eastern/Byzantine) and southern gospel/bluegrass."

It gets more interesting...
His uncle is a professional in "one of the most well known Southern Gospel groups." Which one?

He's a recent convert to Catholicism. He "can quote the entire gospel of Mark in the NIV from start to finish (takes about 2 hours)." He's translating a Jarai/English dictionary for a people group indigenous to Vietnam.

This is not your stereotypical Southern Gospel fan...or is it? I just learned enough about him to realize he's not at all like me, but I'd sure like to know what group he played for and his uncle's name.

When you attend a Southern Gospel concert, do you assume the rest of the audience is a lot like you? I do to a certain degree. Sure, I realize there's variations in denominations and probably some "minor issues," but we're all obviously Christians who enjoy the same type of music. At least, those are the first thoughts that pop into my mind. I'm a Southern Baptist, for example. I know various other denominations are represented at any concert I attend, but I naturally assume most of them are Southern Baptists like me...or if the crowd gets lively and someone takes a running fit, I assume most of them are some pentecostal variant. The truth is, they may be 90% Southern Baptist or 10% Southern Baptist regardless of the situation. I really have no way of knowing for sure, short of a poll being taken.

I think I'd enjoy finding out how everyone around me compares and contrasts on various issues, but it just isn't possible given the number of people who are randomly in a room on any given night and the limited time I have to speak with each of them. At least, I can never know what they think in the same sense that God does. Come to think of it, maybe it's better if I don't know too many details. Many lengthy and tiresome discussions are probably avoided when we don't realize a disagreement exists.

This reminds me of a joke:
Two guys meet on a bridge and start comparing their similarities. They discover, to their pleasant surprise, that they are the same faith, the same denomination, the same creed, and the same constitution. However, when one man learns the other subscribes to conclusions of a church council that met in 1879 rather than the council that met in 1856, he exclaims, "Heretic!" and pushes him into the raging river far below.

Isn't that the way it is most of the time?

People who align themselves with various groups usually don't even agree with everything the group as a whole claims to represent. When we all meet "in one accord," whether it's at a public concert or at a worship service in our own church, I believe most of us tend to project our own religion, values, morality, ethics, and doctrines on to those around us.

That is, unless you're rubbed the wrong way, in which case you leap to the opposite conclusion, that everyone there disagrees with you on everything...which is equally wrong.

The truth must lie somewhere in between.

On The Crabb Family

David Bruce Murray — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 14:52:00 +0000

The end of an era is coming in a few days. The Crabb Family took the Southern Gospel industry by storm in 1996. By 1998, they had their first number one song on the Singing News chart, "Please Forgive Me." I first saw them in 1998 at NQC, where they captivated the crowd with this song.

The song held the top position for four months (Jul-Oct), an accomplish they would never repeat...the four month stay at the top, that is...they would have 13 more number one songs over the next seven and a half years, though. Their record of 14 numbers ones was set in October 2005. They held this record alone until it was matched in August 2006 by the McKameys. (The McKameys' chart toppers are spread over 22 years.)

July 31, 2007 will mark the official "end" of the Crabb Family as a touring group. The siblings will be starting various ministries...not before they leave us with a final recording, however, titled Letting Go. A song "Child Of The King" will be the first release from the new recording that attempts to add to the already impressive string of number one songs for the group.

I believe it's safe to say no other Southern Gospel group has provided us with such a wide diversity of musical styles in such a short time. From the National Quartet Convention to Brooklyn Tabernacle, the Crabb Family crossed stylistic barriers to take their music to the masses. They also brought us a degree of drama when traditional fans felt they had gone "too contemporary" with their music and/or appearance or when the outward appearance of marital bliss came crashing down.

I have a feeling some fans will miss them for one reason and some will miss them for the other.

I'll miss the Crabb Family, because when opening a new CD, I never quite knew what to expect. Driven remains my favorite Crabb Family CD. I'm looking forward to hearing the music they will create post-split.

CD Review: Mercy's Well (Skywriting)

David Bruce Murray — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 04:58:00 +0000

RATING: 4 1/2 Stars

Producer: Donna Beauvais
Website: www.mercyswell.com

Song Titles: "The Sun Will Shine Again," "Unspeakable Joy," "More Than I Deserve," "This Could Be," "Water Walkin'," "I'll See You Soon," "Live A Lot," "Man Of God," "He Said Yes," "I'm Gonna Take A Ride," and "When God Ran"

Look for this review in the September 2007 issue of Singing News. (Click the link to subscribe if you don't already receive the magazine.)

Undercut Artists Or Bold Marketing Approach?

David Bruce Murray — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 19:24:00 +0000

SGBlognew sez:
Looks like Crossroads Music has a new website where they are featuring their newest recordings for only $9.99. Also for a limited time with every purchase, you will receive Crossroads Chartbusters Vol.1 at no charge.

Looks like a great deal, but it sure undercuts their own artists (clients).

No, not really. Customers who only buy music direct from their favorite artists aren't very likely to change those buying habits as a result of this. Besides, fans who are in the habit of shopping online and actively seeking out the best price are ALREADY getting their music from companies like CBD, Amazon, Springside, and others. It won't matter to the artist if they go to Crossroads Direct rather than one of those outlets. In fact, it may actually help if the lower price point causes an increase in the overall volume of sales.

Let's do a simple comparison to illustrate this point.

Before Crossroads Direct launched, the Inspirations latest CD, Things Are Different Now, could be bought online directly from the Inspirations site for $17, from Springside.com for $15.95, from Amazon.com for $18.98, and from CBD.com for 11.99. (The Amazon price is out of character for Amazon, which is usually more competitive. They also list it as a "pre-order," for some reason.)

By selling directly to individual customers, Crossroads is simply passing part of the discount they give to those companies along. It's called "cutting out the middle man," and it's been tried by manufacturers with varying degrees of success for many years. Whether or not it's successful in this case will depend on how many additional customer service issues arise from dealing with individual buyers vs. those who buy in bulk. All they're selling is pieces of plastic and some paper with color printing on it, so the main issue will be breakage as long as they're capable of putting the right CD in each package.

The artist isn't hurt, and in fact, could be affected positively. There's a theoretical point in almost every recording contract where labels recoup their investment and the artist starts getting a cut of all future sales. Due to low volume of sales, many Southern Gospel products never reach that point, so the artist sees nothing in the way of profit other than from the units they sell directly to customers themselves. If Crossroads increases volume while taking no hit on profit per unit (they're avoiding giving discounts to third-party distributors), they will reach the "break even" recoup point more frequently.

Crossroads is taking a bold approach by underpricing their nearest competitor (CBD.com) by $2 per unit. Only time will tell if it was bold enough to pay off.

The actual downside is they're risking their business relationships with companies like CBD, Amazon, Springside and others. It's their job to sell as many pieces of product as possible, because doing so makes the artist more popular. Selling direct rather than allowing companies like CBD, Amazon, and Springside to get a cut could cause those companies to say, "Fine. Sell all your music direct if you don't need us anymore and see how well you do without any access to our established customer base."

I haven't mentioned digital downloads, but these are increasingly playing a factor. Few artists currently offer this as an option for customers who shop their websites. Some are finally beginning to explore this area. To me, it makes perfect sense for the label website to be the point where digital downloads of individual songs are sold directly to customers. In fact, it really makes NO sense why they aren't already doing this. Hopefully, that will be on the agenda for this new venture by Crossroads. If you could buy an entire CD as a download for $9.99 or the physical CD for $9.99 plus shipping costs, that would go a long way towards convincing customers to buy more product and it should attract new customers who currently feel that $15 is much more than any CD is worth.

BSafe's Apology Accepted

David Bruce Murray — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 01:25:00 +0000

I am pleased to report that BSafe has apologized for categorizing this blog as being one that promotes cults. One of their reps explained via email that the error occurred when they combined databases with another filtering company last weekend.

She said they would be reclassifying this blog under the "Reference" category where it would not be blocked. Whether they do or don't, I've done all the complaining I intend to do. In the words of President George H. W. Bush at the end of Desert Storm, "This war is over."

Unfortunately, the "Reference" category isn't defined in BSafe's FAQ, so I can't confirm whether or not it's a category BSafe blocks by default.

The BSafe rep also explained that ALL blogs are typically blocked by default under a category called "Web Logs," but that the end user sees "Free Hosts" as the category instead. She admitted this is misleading.

Unfornately, BSafe appears to take a witch hunt approach to blogs in general, "because users of WEB LOGS can put whatever content they wish on their site. One day it may be completely innocent, the next it can be inappropriate" (the BSafe rep's words).

As kindly as I knew how, I pointed out that the same holds true for ANY website. A perfectly decent website today may contain something you'd rather not see the next. Check out CNN.com, for a good example. :o)

Seriously, though, the language patterns, content scope, etc. are clearly set down in most blogs, because the standard practice of most blogs is to archive past articles. In the case of this blog, it's been archived since day one.

BSafe (and Fabricate Fiction If You Gotta) Online

David Bruce Murray — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 04:21:00 +0000

The BSafe saga continues. It seems someone contacted the company today to let them know that my site and Daniel Mount's site aren't promoting cults. Now, the screen shot above reveals this blog is no longer classified as "news" or "cults." This is good, right?

Wrong.

They merely changed the classification of Musicscribe to "Free Hosts," another category that is blocked by default from all users.

The BSafe FAQ describes their "Free Hosts" category as:
Free Hosts (blocked by default)
Sites that are hosted by consumer-oriented free hosts or ISPs, including such sites as myspace.com, facebook.com, Geocities.com, and xanga.com.

Musicscribe doesn't belong in that category either. I'm not acting as a free host for anyone. I don't provide a place for freeloaders to upload content. When I create and/or host a website, the customer pays for it. Oh, and my client list is something like five...hardly in the same league as MySpace. You really have to wonder how I managed to catch the attention of BSafe in the first place.

Meanwhile, another friend who used to visit my site daily just wrote to tell me his employer has set up a firewall that is blocking him from viewing my blog. Their excuse is my "message board." Do you think they might be nice enough to point it out to me? I don't have a message board!

What a bunch of losers.

AUDIO/PODCAST INTERVIEW>> Ivan Parker

danielbritt.com — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 01:02:00 +0000

Here is the interview with Ivan Parker as recorded in Atlanta on April 13, 2007.

-Daniel Britt

BSafe (and Stupid) Online

David Bruce Murray — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 06:48:00 +0000

Daniel Mount has been telling me for some time that he couldn't leave comments on my blog due to his American Family Association approved internet filter, BSafe Online. This internet filter has also been endorsed by such well known heavyweights as Dave Ramsey, Chuck Swindoll, and Michael Medved.

Daniel got a little more concerned when the filter blocked him from viewing his OWN blog. Now it won't let him look at Sogospelnews.com either.

I took a look at BSafe's website. It appears Daniel must have paid $49.95 for the privilege of being blocked from such potentially harmful content as "news."

In BSafe's FAQ, one question reads:
Under what criteria does your filter block sites?

A number of categories are listed, including:
News
Sites that are dedicated to the distribution of news, current events and headlines. This would also include news commentaries, and news blogs.

Daniel says Musicscribe and his own blog were both blocked under the category of "news cult." The FAQ at BSafe's website doesn't list the two words as a combined category, but the "cult" category is listed separately:
Cults (blocked by default)
Sites that encourage cult lifestyles, such as female enslavement, body mutilation, etc.

Musicscribe has NEVER been used to encourage anything remotely related to a cult. I'm a SOUTHERN BAPTIST, for crying out loud (and a conservative one at that). This site is mainly an outlet for CD reviews and personal observations about the Southern Gospel music industry. The only thing that ever stands a risk of being hurt around here is a recording artist's ego, and hey, they willingly volunteer for my critiques. Could it be that BSafe mistakes Southern Gospel music fans for a "cult?" I have no idea.

Hmm...I wonder if BSafe is familiar with the legal term "defamation of character." Any pro-bono lawyers out there want to take a crack at this? I could sure use the cash from a nice hefty settlement.

At the very least, Daniel should get a refund for whatever he paid them. He clearly didn't expect to be blocked from his own site when he paid for this so-called "service."

I will be writing separate letters to all the major companies, talk show hosts, and radio broadcasters who endorse this ridiculous, overreaching product.

If your goal is to be blissfully ignorant of such potentially damaging sites as those who publish news...the nerve..., then go ahead and send BSafe $49.95. If not, I join Daniel in encouraging you to save your cash.

Seriously, if you have children who access the internet, the best policy I can suggest is giving them personal supervision rather than relying on any sort of software "net nanny" to do the job of parenting on your behalf.

If you're afraid there's something out there that YOU might run across by accident, you're probably correct. Rather than shelling out cash, though, I would submit that clicking the little X in the upper right corner of your browser is a lot cheaper and less of a hassle.

CD Review: Dave Williford (A King's Ransom)

David Bruce Murray — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 05:48:00 +0000

RATING: 4 Stars

Producer: Dave Williford
Website: www.willifordmusic.com

Song Titles: "Forgiven," "Over and Over," "Cowboy Heaven," "Born To Sing," "He Did," "A King's Ransom," "What I Believe," "When I See Your Face," "American Christian," "I'll Pray," "I Don't Have A Prayer," and "Do You Know Jesus"

A King's Ransom is a great independent project by Dave Williford. He wrote all twelve songs, sang and produced. A drummer, vocalist, and bass guitar player are listed as members of the Dave Williford Band in the liner notes, but it appears Williford actually played everything himself on the CD. (The liner notes also state, "All instrumentation by Dave Williford.")

"Forgiven" is the first cut and it's also Williford's first single to radio. Some country piano licks make this track stand out, and you can go ahead and get used to it. This becomes a trend. "Over And Over" has a rollicking feel that reminds me of Gordon Mote's "I Catch 'em, God Cleans 'em." The pace slows a bit for "Cowboy Heaven"...not my favorite lyric. I get the point of the song and it's well written enough, but there's enough "Y'ouns" and "Y'alls" in this one to make Jeff Foxworthy proud. "Born To Sing" returns to the upbeat feel of the first two tracks with a bit of slightly distorted guitar added for a nice effect.

Williford offers eight more tracks to complete A King's Ransom. I won't detail each song for you as I typically do in a review, but trust me, there's a lot to like. The background vocals are mixed hot enough that fans of harmony should be happy. In other words, there's a significant "trio" feel to this solo recording. Williford is a decent enough singer...no Ivan Parker by any stretch...but pretty good, and although he may not quite be a Mark Bishop or David Patillo in the songwriting department, he's within striking distance. Williford knows how to paint a picture with his lyrics in addition to getting the rhythms right in his phrases. More than that, he sure knows how to create a compelling musical groove...not studio perfect, but vibrant in a way that makes you him to keep on playing.

A King's Ransom is worth checking out. I don't consider this CD to be a 5-Star project for reasons I've mentioned above, but I think it's going to make Dave's Top Eight. (DTE appears at the top of this blog. I list my personal favorites from the last twelve months.) I've had this CD in my car for a while now, and I've listened to it from beginning to end at least ten times without getting tired of it (other than "Cowboy Heaven"). The appeal for me is the live band element in Williford's sound. That's really refreshing in a typically over-produced musical world.

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Here's some extra info regarding Williford's CD...
Rather than going to his website to order his CD or seeking it out in a traditional brick and mortar store, you can click HERE to purchase and download it right now. If you don't want the whole CD, you can buy just one song. The good news is there's no nasty DRM or proprietary format to annoy and frustrate you. The company Williford is using sells 192-bit MP3 files, which play on any standard digital listening device and can be easily transferred from one to another.

Of course, independent artists have been doing this sort of "non-traditional" marketing for some time now, but it hasn't really caught on in Southern Gospel for some reason. It's encouraging to see independent artists of Williford's caliber out there testing the waters.

And no, I'm not getting a cut from the sales I send his way. I'm genuinely glad to see an artist who is taking this approach in addition to the traditional marketing opportunities that have been around forever. Perhaps the mainstream labels will fully embrace this mode of distribution in the future. So far, it hasn't looked too promising.

CD Rated: Dale & Cheryl Golden (Glory Coming Down)

David Bruce Murray — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:50:00 +0000

Artist: Dale & Cheryl Golden
Title: Glory Coming Down

RATING: 3 Stars

Nutshell Analysis: This CD consists of ten original songs written by Dale Golden. Some are predictable, but most are pretty good as a general rule. There's some heavy handed reverb at times and the drumming could use a serious dose of creativity. The vocals are above average...good quality pitch-wise and in terms of vocal tone, but there's nothing I would label as unique about either singer's voice.

CD Rated: Heritage Road

David Bruce Murray — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:38:00 +0000

Artist: Heritage Road
Title: The Road I'm On

RATING: 3 1/2 Stars

Nutshell Analysis: Country tracks, good vocals and great song selection...so-so packaging (no songwriter info). From the sonic angle, Heritage Road should remind you of Mid-South. All three members were formerly with that group. This CD cuts a corner or two on production quality and mix, but the overall appeal is very positive. Sonya Isaacs is on hand for a guest vocal on "Across The Miles."

CD Rated: Anthony Burger (The Kingsmen Years)

David Bruce Murray — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:19:00 +0000

Artist: Anthony Burger
Title: The Kingsmen Years

RATING: 3 1/2 Stars

Nutshell Analysis: The first fourteen hymns alternate between full band cuts that generally have a more joyous, romping mindset and meditative selections featuring just a piano. The final six selections are familiar Christmas songs, five of which are piano only. Burger made better quality recordings later in his career, but this CD is a great reminder of a time when he was more prone to just let it rip.

CD Rated: Tony Silcox (Reflections)

David Bruce Murray — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 19:03:00 +0000

Artist: Tony Silcox
Title: Reflections

RATING: 2 1/2 Stars

Nutshell Analysis: Songwriting credits are listed for one title, but not the other nine, which is strange. An uneven mix and uninspired grooves that don't quite gel are typical on this project. On one song intro, the levels are actually distorting because some tracks were recorded too hot. On a positive note, the packaging quality is nice enough and Silcox is a fairly decent singer.